ice fishing lakers/rainbows/browns

Guys,
Need help here.
I’m not a trout/salmon guy, whatsoever!
Especially through the ice.
No clue on how it is done.

With that said, I’ve been invited, through work, to ice fish a lake, for lakers.

How do ya do it?

What do you recommend for gear?
What type of baits are prefered (jigs, spoons, live bait?)
Line preference (mono vs hard-line)
Line weights?
Rod size/length/action?
baitcaster/spinning reel?
If using live bait, what is preferred?

I’m assuming one doesn’t setup a tip-up, cause a 20lb laker would burn your fingers off on a run, while handlining?

What are typical patterns for the fish this time of year?
I’m fishing Grindstone Lake up by Sandstone in Pine County. So any tips for that lake would be GREATLY appreciated!

PS: The one who gives me the best info can have all the fish I catch, because I really don’t care to eat salmon or trout!

Get a 36″ or even longer medium heavy rod at least. Strap on at least a 2500 series spinning reel. I use 12lb mono might want to go a little heavier for lakers. Jig 3″ or 4″ white tubes. I use this setup chasing browns and rainbows in Utah. Will work as well for lakers. The largest size CJS slender spoons work well too. Can’t speak to live bait options. Not allowed in Utah.

Here ya go Gary

One of my favorite episodes

Gary…I have a 42″ custom from Thorne for Lakers your more than welcome to use on your trip…I don’t have a laker trip planned yet this winter. I used it last year for the splake and it worked about perfect. Strap a 2500 series rod like mentioned above and your good to go…let me know if you want to borrow it…

I would use a Large Slender spoon from Custom jigs and Spins or a white tube to draw those lakers in…

1/4 oz slender spoon

Gary

Dine “O” Mite

Thats what I’d use

I’ve been wanting to give that a try, sounds like fun

Everyone has pretty much said what I’ve always heard so you’re headed in the right direction

We use either super lines or coated wire for lakers in the apostle islands but we regularly fish up 300+ feet of water. I prefer superlines easier to deal with then wire and doesnt stretch like mono for better hook ups and more sensitive. I guess it depends how deep you really plan to fish.

Ajs

Ok i checked my words and must take a couple back. We fish 250 on average when the ice allows and have fished up to 300 or so at times.